APPLICATION PROCESS

If you are starting out in the world of advertising and design the ‘Upstarts’ programme is for you.

There are two sets of workshops in two disciplines; advertising & design. Each set of workshops takes place in six different studios over six weeks.

A different brief will be given each week so that by the end of the series you will have a stronger portfolio and a stronger sense of industry practice. You will also meet potential employers and other valuable contacts. Each ‘upstart’ will be assigned a well-respected mentor to guide you in the process.

The programme will end with an exhibition as part of Design Week 09 in association with Bombay Sapphire.

Applications are now being accepted (deadline June 30th 2009), click here to download the application pack.

Contact elaine@icad.ie or 01 4716099 with any queries.

Some of the previous Upstarts tell us in their own words:

“I really enjoyed the Upstarts programme. I thought it was a really great way to see how other studios differ from each other in their approach to design. I got on great with my mentor and learned a lot from him and have kept in touch with him and others from the programme. The rest of the group were great to meet too and i think we all benefited from seeing each others work process. I wish i could do it all over again!” John Cowhie

“Overall the course was fantastic, it was great to meet the different agencies and the people on the course. A lot of work, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about getting into advertising.” Anthony O’Rourke

“Icad upstarts. Be under no illusions it’s hard – really hard- and if you want to get the most out of it you’ll need to give up most of your social life for about six weeks. The reason you do this is because you get to make contacts in six of Dublin’s top agencies and each week you get to work to proper agency brief. And if you need another reason, which you shouldn’t, the agencies hosting Upstarts provide beer and pizza most weeks.” Brian Curran

“I thought the upstarts programme was excellent. We got to see inside the studios of some of the best design companies in Dublin and have professional designers critique our work. All the briefs were very stimulating and challenging. All the other upstarts were really talented and we always went for pints after each presentation which I wasn’t expecting but turned out to be great fun.” Paul O’ Leary

“Upstarts is a perfect way to familiarise yourself with the process of creative advertising. It is an intense workshop, exercising art direction and copy writing skills mentored by the who’s who of the Irish ad world. Informal, refreshing and as fun as you want to make it you can show off your abilities to advertising’s cream of creativity. Well worth every moment of the six weeks but be prepared to work your b****x off if you are in full time employment.” Daniel Henson

“I thought it was a great experience having to deal with real projects and in such a short time, it really gave us a taste of the real world and what’s expected. Getting to see the 6 design studios was great too and it was a fantastic opportunity to make valuable contacts. We also got good constructive criticism that will help us improve as designers, while making friends with our fellow Upstarts along the way!” Ciara Fitzgerald